Ah yeah, the BSOD is annoying. I usually have Eiko as my white mage/summoner for most of the game. Garnet doesn't get her BSOD until Alexandria is destroyed (and Kujie-coo is most put out by Daddy's interference. I really hope for a remake just so we can see his WTF!face when he realizes that Garland has seized control of the invincible) and you won't get to control her until Zidane's run around Lindblum to make the potion for Cid.

If you need to know where the potion ingredients are gimme a shout, I can name their locations off the bat. /nerd